The new policy, which was approved unanimously by the select board Tuesday, states the town can fly ceremonial flags at the town’s discretion.

The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School secured Island-wide approval for a $2 million feasibility study to renovate or replace the high school when Aquinnah approved its contribution during a special town meeting on Wednesday.

The schooner Amistad, a replica of the historic ship that became famous after a group of enslaved Africans led a successful revolt and won their freedom in the U.S. Supreme Court, will drop anchor at Martha’s Vineyard for Juneteenth weekend.

The Vineyard celebrated its first formal Juneteenth holiday in grand style, feeding body and soul.

One year after being recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth will be celebrated this weekend on the Vineyard in the form of a weekend-long jubilee.

The African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard has announced a weekend of events to celebrate Juneteenth.

The Fourth of July weekend in Oak Bluffs was a big mess last year, everyone said.

There was too much traffic. An ambulance couldn’t get through a street crowded with people. There were clashes between cultures and, when people talked about the weekend later, blatant racism.

Bob Holland of Oak Bluffs stayed home, but he heard all about it. And he sees no reason why all these people shouldn’t enjoy Oak Bluffs on its biggest holiday weekend.

So this year, he will be there to help with other members of the new Martha’s Vineyard Million Man Association.

David Corbitt of Indianapolis discovered Oak Bluffs this weekend. A second-year law student, Mr. Corbitt traveled here at the urging of a college friend.

Serena Henry came from Atlanta, and Phyllis Buford came from St. Louis, with her family. She joined friends from Kansas City, Mo.

Bobby Hall traveled here from Florida, and he had a great time.

“It doesn’t get much better than this,” said Mr. Hall, who joined about 800 people Friday night for live music, dancing and sunset at Inkwell Beach.

Several hundred people attended special events this weekend in Oak Bluffs, reducing gridlock downtown and adding to the festive atmosphere.

And it all happened because of a chance meeting on Memorial Day at the Dragonfly art gallery in Oak Bluffs.